Once again, the Dayton Hamvention® Youth Forum highlighted the accomplishments of young radio amateurs. This year, there were six presenters describing their involvement in various ham radio activities and events. 
The young hams who made presentations at the
2023 Dayton Hamvention Youth Forum. From left:
Lyle Strachan, KE0ZNV; Javan Miller, W8UA;
Collin Holdsworth, K0NNK; Forum Moderator Carole
Perry, WB2MGP; Landon Baumgartner, KE8TJU;
Katie Campbell, KE8LQR, and Grace Papay,
KE8RJU. (Photo courtesy WB2MGP)
The forum coordinator, as always, was Carole Perry, WB2MGP, who also presented the 11th annual "Young Ham Lends a Hand" award to 16-year-old Bernadette Wagner, KE8LWO, and Kees VanOosbree, W0AAE, age 19, who was independently selected as the 2023 Amateur Radio Newsline Young Ham of the Year (see above story). The award recognizes young hams who have "given back" in some way to their community, school, neighbors handicapped individuals, seniors, or to military personnel in need of assistance.
According to Carole, Bernadette’s dedication to recruiting other young people into ham radio, her involvement her local ham radio club, volunteering with the scouting community, her commitment to community service through her church, and her selflessness in helping her younger siblings are all examples of her outstanding character and her desire to make a positive impact on the world.
Kees, said Perry, is currently the QSL manager for YOTA Americas. He also handles public relations, scheduling young operators, managing logs, and recruiting operators. In addition, he is active in a Remote Ham Radio for Youth initiative where he assists all those who need help.
The Young Ham Lends a Hand program is supported by the Radio Club of America, Quarter Century Wireless Association, and Evan Rolek, K9SQG. Each winner receives $100.
